Baidu’s public relations head steps down after eye-popping remarks on work culture spark controversy in China

Baidu’s public relations chief Qu Jing has left the Chinese internet search giant after her comments endorsing an intense workplace culture sparked a public backlash, according to people familiar with the matter and local media reports. The firm’s internal system shows that Qu, a vice-president, has departed from her position, according to employees who declined … Read more

Chinese cities spark outcry with ban on joss paper sales and ‘feudal superstitions’ for Ching Ming Festival

The city warned of fines, administrative penalties and even criminal prosecution for those found violating the rules. People visit the tombs of relatives during the annual Ching Ming Festival at Beijing’s Babaoshan Cemetery in April 2023. Photo: AFP During Ching Ming Festival, Chinese families visit the tombs of their ancestors, clean their gravesites and make … Read more

Bilibili’s top bullet comment of 2023 is “ah?” as users expressed surprise 13 million times this year

Chinese video streaming platform Bilibili’s word of 2023 is a single-character question of shock: Ah? The word, written simply as a in pinyin, was used as an interrogative clause 13.2 million times on the platform this year, flooding viewers’ screens in Bilibili’s famed “bullet comments”, which whisk by in horizontal streams atop videos as people … Read more